Greater Akron Chamber
Date posted: 2024-11-22
Start date: As Soon As Possible
Location: Akron, OH
Full/Part time:
Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a long-term vision and strategic plan for the cluster, ensuring alignment with industry trends and regional economic goals. Build the Polymer Industry Cluster’s value proposition, business model and staff team to implement the plan. Ensure long term sustainability of the effort and the creation of key partnerships to ensure the success of the work.
2. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development: Foster relationships with cluster industry members, innovators and entrepreneurs, academic and research institutions, government entities, and other stakeholders to drive collaborative innovation and economic growth.
3. Program and Initiative Oversight: Lead initiatives focused on R&D, workforce development, sustainability, and commercialization. Oversee programs that address critical industry needs, fostering sector-wide innovation.
4. Public Representation and Advocacy: Serve as the cluster’s spokesperson, representing it at industry events, stakeholder forums, with elected officials, policymakers and media.
5. Governance and Operations: Partner with key governance entities including the PIC Leadership Committee and its Executive Committee and supporting organization leadership to ensure the effective translation of industry needs to action by the PIC. Lead the team driving day-to-day operations and ensure that resources are allocated effectively to support the cluster’s strategic objectives.
6. Financial Stewardship: Create and manage the PIC’s operating budget and take action to leverage partner resources in support of the work of the cluster. Ensure fiscal strength and lead efforts to seek and secure funding in support of PIC operations and strategies.
Requirements
• Industry Experience: At least 10 years of experience in the polymer or advanced manufacturing sectors, economic development, or a related field, with demonstrated industry knowledge.
• Leadership and Vision: Proven experience developing and implementing strategic initiatives, especially those focused on driving technological and economic advancement and that involve multiple stakeholders with both aligned and potentially unique self-interest. Experience building and leading teams of experienced professionals and adroit with both formal and informal leadership and power.
• Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to cultivate partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including industry leaders, researchers, entrepreneurs and government officials. Ability to build trust and influence the support of a wide array of decision makers and leaders.
• Communication: Excellent communication and public speaking skills, with experience representing an organization or initiative to various audiences.
• Operational Skills: Strong management skills, including financial oversight and resource planning, to ensure operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility
Preferred Attributes
• Innovative Thinker: A visionary mindset, with the ability to anticipate industry trends and position the cluster as a global leader.
• Collaborative Leader: Comfortable navigating multi-stakeholder environments, with a relationship-driven approach to leadership.
• Results-Oriented: Goal-driven and proactive in overcoming challenges, securing resources, and achieving strategic outcomes. Skillful with prioritization and delegation to achieve critical outcomes.
Other Considerations
• Ability to Perform Stationary Work: This position requires the ability to work in a stationary position for extended periods, with occasional movement required within the workspace.
• Lifting and Carrying: The role requires the occasional ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds intermittently, with reasonable accommodation provided for individuals with disabilities.
• Remote Work Flexibility: This position may allow for a combination of in-office and remote work, depending on the needs of the team. The ability to adapt to a remote or hybrid work environment is important.
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]